Fire danger remains high in Western Massachusetts

View full sizeRepublican photo | Michael S. Gordon Charred remains of a fire that began Wednesday in an area off Paige Hilll Rd. in dead trees felled by the tornado of June 1, 2011. Crews from several towns worked through the night to keep the fire from spreading.

SPRINGFIELD - Fire danger, although not as extreme as the last several days, remains high.

The National Weather Service warned of an elevated fire risk for Friday and through the weekend for southern New Hampshire and most of Western Massachusetts.

The lack of appreciable rainfall, low relative humidity and breezy conditions create the potential for fast-spreading fire. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Such conditions contributed to a stubborn brush fire that scorched over 50 acres in Brimfield Wednesday.